WATCH: Watch your kids, Nissen pleads at #CourtneyPieters funeral

Thousands of people turned out for the funeral of three-year-old Courtney Pieters who was murdered recently. PHOTO: Tamaryn Africa/ANA

Mourners and community leaders spoke out against rape and violence against children after the funeral service of murdered Elsies River toddler Courtney Pieters , 4, who was allegedly murdered by a close friend of the family.

The emotionally-charged service was held at the Adriaanse Community Hall, after which the little girl was buried at the Belhar cemetery.

Courtney had been missing for 9 days before he body was discovered in Epping industria. She had also been raped.